Police seek three youths over 80mph South Yorkshire rail crash

Transport police are hunting three youths seen climbing on to a railway line at the spot where an empty passenger train had an 80mph crash hours later.

British Transport Police have revealed they are looking for three young men in connection with the CrossCountry train crash near Swinton railway station which was caused by a piece of plant machinery being left on the line.

Three crew members on the train were left shaken but unhurt, while the incident last Friday morning caused severe delays and disruption across much of the northern rail network.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said: “Three individuals were seen the night before climbing over the fence and leaving about an hour later. They climbed over at 8.30pm and left just before 10pm. We are keen to speak to them and want them to come forward.”

Forensic investigations and house-to-house inquiries have been taking place, while CCTV from trains that passed through the area is also being reviewed. Call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 with information.